Isang Open-Letter para kay G. Quark Henares

Dearest Direk Quark,

Unang-una at malayong-malayo sa gusto kong ikuwento talaga sa ‘yo, babatiin muna kita ng isang malutong na congratulations para sa panganganak ng pinaka-cool na teleserye sa buong mundo, ang “Rakista” ng TV5. Dahil dito ay na-refresh ang aking TV viewing habit. Maraming salamat sa inyo ni Diego Castro sa pagkakaroon ng ganitong palabas.

Noong nakaraang Miyerkules, September 17, nanood ako ng una kong Cine Europa para sa 2008. Ito ‘yung “Vitus” ng Switzerland na tumalakay sa isang child prodigy. Hindi ako sigurado kung papatok sa ‘yo ang tema at filmmaking nito, pero hindi naman ‘yan ang sadya ng open-letter ko. Pagkatapos kong manood ng sine, kinakailangan kong i-taxi ang Phi Bar sa Metrowalk para ma-rekindle ang buhay-gimikero ko kasama ang Cueshé. Bad trip ako noong araw na ‘yun kaya di na masamang mabisita man lang ang banda (na ang alam kong parating may space sa puso mo, hehehe).

Second set na ang naabutan ko. Pagkaupo na pagkaupo ko sa puwesto ng mga roadies na sina Nonoy at Brian, napansin na agad ng banda ang presence ko. Sa ikatlong kanta (at ikalawang bote ng San Mig Light) nila kinanta ang paborito kong i-request na “The Remedy” ni Jason Mraz. Alam kong walang masyadong ikakabuti ‘yung cover nila n’ung number na ‘yun (imagine, medyo kailangang mag-rap ni Jay) pero guilty pleasure lang sa part ko. Masarap kasing marinig ‘yung kanta kapag problemado ka at gusto mong pumunta sa buwan kahit sandali lang. Kumbaga sa inuman ay isang masarap na pulutan ang “The Remedy”. Bago ito inawit ay casual na dinedicate ni Jay ang kanta sa akin. “Para sa isang taong nand’yan parati, kay Manny. Ayun s’ya, nakaputi na parang pari.”

Bago pa ang dedication portion na ‘yan ay kakuntsaba ko na si Mike na sa second set pa nila kakantahin ang request ko. Alam nilang manonood pa ako ng sine. At alam nilang alam kong hindi ako mapapahiya sa request na ‘yun dahil ilang ulit na rin nila akong natanggihan.

Pero merong masayang nangyari sa set na ‘yun. Nanibago ako n’ung una pero naaliw na rin. Ibang iba na ang kilala kong Cueshé. Nawala ang focus sa perfection at napaka-informal ng pagkanta at pakiki-interact. Ngayon ko lang sila nakitang ganun ka-relax kumausap sa tao. Maging ang mga kanta ay bago rin. Mas mukhang trip-trip lang ‘to, mas bangag (o mas baboy) pa sa mga gig sa Saguijo. May ilang kanta na hindi natatapos, may ilan namang nadudugtungan ng kakulitan. Pati ang areglo ng mga orig nilang kanta ay bago ang timpla. Isa rito ‘yung “Stay” nila na may tunog “Elisi” na ng Rivermaya. Nag-evolve.

Sa nasabing set din nalasing si Fritz. Hindi ko alam kung ilan na ang nainom n’yang alkohol pero nakilala naman n’ya ako mula sa crowd. Isang beses ay sumugod s’ya sa mic at minura ang kanilang dating manager (na bading). Masaya ang ad lib na ginawa ni Mike. Mula sa drums ay tila inawat n’ya si Fritz at nag-apologize sa tao. Kasunod ay isang mas masidhing pagmumura. “Oo nga, p***ng inang baklang ‘yun!” Nagtatawanan lang ang mga nakakaalam ng buong kuwento. Higit dito, nand’yang humiga si Fritz sa sahig, sumuray at nanatiling naggigitara habang nakangiti lang na kinokonsinte ng mga kabanda n’ya. Kapansin-pansin ng gabing ‘yun ang mas tight na rapport ng banda. Hindi sila dating ganito ka-fluid.

Direk, gusto lang sabihin nitong open-letter ko na sana ay nasaksihan mo ang gig na ‘yun (their best gig EVER!). Na sana ay nakitawa at nakisabay ka rin sa trip nilang ‘yun. Kahit papaano, magandang entry rin ito sa “Truly, Madly, Craziiiiiiily” mo sa isang magazine. Mas dadami siguro ang kaaway mo kapag nand’un ka dahil tiyak na mare-realize mo na kahit gapatak ay may dugong rakista sila. Nalango ang banda n’un. At sa pagkalangong ito sila gumagapang pabalik sa kanilang crib. Isa itong magandang entry sa discriminating na history ng Pinoy rock scene.

Buweno, hindi ko na masyadong sasayangin ang oras mo. Alam kong busy ka sa maraming raket (kabilang na ang “Rakista”). Sana’y makarating sa ‘yo ang open-letter na ‘to dahil pihadong merong mabubuksan sa ‘yo at sa ibang tao.

Maraming salamat at hanggang sa muli.

Gumagalang,
Manny

KNGP: Kapatiran Ng Gumagalang Postcard

Noong kalagitnaan ng Hulyo, napag-usapan namin ng mga dating katrabaho sa kliyente sa Netherlands ang pagsasabuhay ng postcard sending. Nabuksan ang usapin nang mabanggit ko na kahit noong nasa Belfast pa ako, circa 2005, ay nagpapadala na ako ng postcard sa ilang kaibigan at kamag-anak (sa ngayon ay meron akong 20 na regular na pinapadalhan). Nakuha ko naman ang ideya sa aking kapatid sa New Zealand, na sa tuwing may bagong “buwan” s’yang nadadaungan ay hindi mawawala ang isang postcard sa aming pintuan.

Sa itinagal ng diskusyon, merong isang nagmungkahi na masaya sigurong ibalik ‘yung pakiramdam na makakatanggap ka ng isang postcard na merong selyo at pinaglaanan ng oras at pursige para maipadala ito. ‘Yung darating ka sa iyong apartment na merong naghihintay na maliit na parihabang piraso na nakapangalan sa iyo. Isa ito sigurong pamatid-uhaw sa nakakalason na kawalan ng komunikasyon sa kabila ng nag-uusbungang celfone network tower at 3G technology.

Dito dumating ang ilang kamalayan: baka bilang tao ay meron tayong kailangang balikan para maituwid ang anumang semantic noice pollution meron ang mundong ito. Di ba’t ganun ‘yun kapag naligaw ka? Kinakailangan mong balikan ‘yung isang kanto kung saan ka nagkamali at subukang tahakin ang ibang daan para sa kaalwanan.

Ang Kapatiran Ng Gumagalang Postcard o KNGP ang ilan sa mga subok sa pagbalik na ito. Isang postcard ng monumento ni Rizal sa Luneta ang napagdiskitahan naming gamitin para mamasyal sa kung nasaan man ang apat na kasapi ng KNGP (kabilang na ako). Ilalagay namin sa likod ng postcard ang lugar na kanyang narating, kung kelan at isang salita na nais mong sabihin. Ilalakip ito sa isang sobre kasama ng isa pang postcard na personal mong gustong ipadala sa papadalhan. Sa sandali na ito’y matanggap, maaari mong itago ang ikalawang postcard at ang sobre nito na nagtataglay ng selyo.

Idinagdag ko na lang ang pagkuha ng larawan kasama si “Rizal” sa kung saan ko isinulat ang log entry at ang pagbati sa ikalawang postcard. Sa kaso ko, ako ang ikalawang nakatanggap at natanggap ko ang sobre habang ako ay nasa Frankfort, Kentucky. Wala nang hihigit pa sa pagkakataon na makuhaan ng larawan si Rizal katabi ng State Capitol ng Kentucky. Sa kasalukuyan ay nakarating na sa Netherlands si Rizal, tumambay sa San Francisco, California at tila naglalakbay na ngayon patungong Barcelona at sa kalaunan ay sa South Australia naman. Maabutan n’ya kaya rito sina Piolo at Angel?

Nawa’y mas malayo at mas malawak pa ang marating ni Rizal. Sana’y malayo at malawak din ang marating ng karanasang ito. Kung papalarin, maging bukas sana ang pagkakataong ito sa kung sinumang nais merong marating.

Dambana

Stitched unedited celfone pics, 1.3 megapixels.

Hindi naging pino ang mga nakalipas na araw. Siguro ay may hinahanap ako at nanatiling wala. Hindi nakatulong ang birthday pero nalunod naman ako sa mga nakaalala. Masikip mismo ang kaarawan. Hindi mainam ang gising para habulin ang anticipated mass. Merong sunog sa The Fort. Merong cheesecake. Merong concert ticket. Walang masyadong matunghayan kundi ang dambana mula sa aking pinagkakaupuan.

Isang Ma-Kapamilyang Pananaw sa “Survivor Philippines” ng GMA-7

For the record, ang unang pagsasaere ng “Survivor Philippines” ng GMA-7 ang unang Kapusong palabas ang natapos at pinanood ko mula umpisa (maliban siyempre sa mga piling episodes ng “That’s Entertainment” noong araw). Unang una, masugid akong taga-hanga ng “Survivor” ng USA. Mula sa season nila sa Africa, jingle na lang yata ang pahinga kapag nanonood ako ng mga episodes nito. Maging ang aking tatay ay kinunstsaba kong magrekord ng ilang palabas kapag ako’y walang panahon para maabutan ito sa Studio 23 or RPN-9. Ang kauna-unahang “Survivor” ay mapalad ko ring napanood sa isang marathon show. Ang outback season na lang nila ang hindi ko pa nasasaksihan (at ang mga sumunod matapos ang kontrobersyal na “Survivor” na tumalakay sa race o kulay). Siyanga pala, si Lex ang paborito kong “Survivor” dahil napaka-sensible ng kangyang mga binibitawang salita.

Nang dalhin ng Studio 23 sa Pilipinas sina Ethan (“Survivor Africa”), Jenna M (“Survivor Amazon”) at Shi-ann (nakalimutan ko na kung saan pero kasali rin si Rob sa season na ‘yan), hindi ko pinalampas ang pagkakataon na makita sila sa Capones. Ang kaibigan ko noon na nagtatrabaho sa ABS-CBN ay nagpaunlak pa ng isang phone conversation kay Shi-ann.

Minsan din ay nagpabili ako ng “Survivor” t-shirt sa isang kaopisa na nasa kliyente sa USA.

Malaking bahagi ng natutunan ko sa buhay ay napulot ko sa “Survivor”. Sabi nga, “outwit, outplay, outlast”. Di ba’t ‘yan lang naman ang mga mahahalagang gabay sa buhay?

Ikalawa at huling dahilan na lang siguro ang curiosity kung bakit ko pinatulan ang franchise na ito ng GMA-7. Ito’y sa kabila ng pagkakataong mapanood ang premiere episode ng “Kahit Isang Saglit” nina Echo at Carmen Soo (fine, pinanood ko pa rin kapag commercial sa kabila).

Heto ang aking masasabi:

1. Kamukha ng kanyang mga pinaggayahan, nakuha ng GMA-7 ang “feel” ng “Survivor”. Mula sa chant, hanggang sa ilang camera gimmick at ang set-up para sa challenges. Pilit na pilit man ang ilang snapshots, pangit ang quality ng “interview” portion (mas klaro pa ang live coverage ng TV Patrol World sa mga rural area) at maging ang OBB ay hindi kasing exciting ng orihinal pero hindi na masama;

2. Kung ang Pinoy Big Brother ay tinutuya dahil mukhang artistahin ang mga kasali, hinding hindi ito masasabi sa “Survivor Philippines”. Ngayon pa lang, masasabi ko nang walang sisikat sa mga kalahok nito (kung naisin man nilang mag-artista). Kung ganito rin lang, sana ay sinagad na nila sa paglalagay ng medyo “odd-looking” (sangkaterba ang ganito sa orihinal na “Survivor”). Sa kabila nito, isa itong welcome treat para sa mga Kapuso. Kahit papaano, meron na silang babantayan at poprotektahan na reality show sa mga forum at kung ano pa mang online discussion. Isa rin itong buhay na kontradiksyon sa binitiwang salita ni Ms. Wilma Galvante na hindi nila kailangan ng franchise dahil meron na silang “Starstruck”;

3. Nakakairita ang mga side comments ni Paolo Bediones. Minsan, kailangan pa n’yang ulitin ang kung anong pinapakita na sa TV (“hinihingal si ganito, dumating na si ganito, nasa web pa rin si ganito”). Sana’y hayaan na lang ang camera mismo ang magsalita sa mga eksena. Maaari itong magbigay ng maling impresyon kung ang nais nating palabasin sa isang reality show ay tila panonood ng mga isda sa loob ng aquarium. Ang mga comments ni Mr. Bediones ay parang nagsa-suggest ng anggulo na hindi nakikita ng mga manonood. Isa itong malaking pagkakamali;

4. Walang pinapakitang “scoreboard” ang “Survivor Philippines” habang nagaganap ang challenge. Makakatulong ito upang madaling mabantayan ng mga manonood ang performance ng bawat grupo. Sa halip, sinasabi na lang ni Mr. Bediones kung ilan na ang puntos ng kung magkabilang grupo. Hindi ganito ang estilo ng orihinal na “Survivor”;

5. Nagulat ako na itutuloy pala bukas ang susunod na episode. Ibang iba ito sa nakasanayan nang weekly show sa US kung saan hitik na hitik sa excitement at twist ang bawat minuto ng isang oras na episode. Merong konting socio-politics, konting drama at bago ka pa maumay, heto at sasabak naman sila sa reward o immunity challenge. Sa unang episode pa lang ng “Survivor Philippines”, alam ko na ang pagbababad sa socio-politics at drama ang gagawin nila sa mga darating pa. Bago matapos ang palabas, merong ilang minutong itinalaga sa mga kaawa-awang manlalaro habang natutulog sa buhangin habang nagna-narrate si Mr. Bediones ng kanilang kalagayan (“heto ang kanilang unang survival night….”). Kung ito ang pagbabasehan, wala na akong ganang manood pa ng mga darating na episode;

6. Masyado yatang hyper si Mr. Bediones sa pagho-host. Sana ay masabayan man lang ng mga kalahok ang kanyang energy. Wala rin naman akong maisip sa ngayon na puwedeng gumawa ng trabaho n’ya (hmm, si Richard Gomez kaya o si Marc Nelson?). Makakatulong din kung mapapadalas ang kanyang pangungumusta sa mga kalahok bago o matapos ang isang challenge (madalas itong gawin ni Jeff Probst);

7. Hindi naging kapana-panabik ang premiere episode. Siguro ay magpi-pick up ito kapag meron nang immunity challenge at kailangan nang magharap sa tribal council. Nagdududa rin ako na baka hindi makatulong ang pagiging kimi nating mga Pinoy. Sa orihinal na palabas, hindi mapagkakaila na expressive talaga ang mga Kano. Sinasabi nila ang anumang nasa loob ng utak nila. Dito minsan nabubuhay ang adrenalin ko kapag nanonood ako ng “Survivor”;

8. Hinati sa dalawang tribu ang mga kalahok ayon sa kanilang kasarian (as in boys versus girls). Una itong ginawa sa “Survivor Amazon” dahil na rin siguro sa konteksto ng lugar. Sa “Survivor Philippines”, hindi ko ito masyadong maintindihan dahil sa tingin ko ay hindi naman mataas ang gender discrimination sa atin. Mas nanaisin ko pang hinati ang mga players ayon sa kanilang trabaho o socio-economic status. Mas masaya siguro ang rich versus poor na konsepto at mas swak ito sa ating atmospera;

I’m-Glad-I’m-Here-in-the-Philippines List of Must-Do Things

Below is a crazy set of things I have accomplished since I got back from the US. Or better yet, the things that are worth missing when you’re outside the country (hehehe). Sorry, Jaejay and Vianney.

Cinderella
CCP Main Theater – August 15

This Broadway calibre show was definitely this year’s banner event as we tried to forget for a while that we’re a third-world country. Boasting of none other than our very own Tony-decorated performer, Miss Lea Salonga as the lead, with a big-budgeted production of a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, “Cinderella” was on the right cue. The show was amazing (except for the program having limited copies). I’m glad that Manilans had the chance to peek at the musical before it tours to other Asian cities until April next year. I was late for 15 minutes because of the heavy rain that night (I left the office one hour and 30 minutes before the show and syndicated a cab for a P100 more just to be on time). I think I missed the overture and the opening number from the fairy godmother. I’m just thankful that I stayed for 30 minutes more because if not, I wouldn’t be catching Lea’s third autograph after sharing a nice chitchat (a la “The Buzz”) with her driver and after KC Concepcion passed by. I even had a small talk with Lea and mentioned to her that maybe next time, she can write about fans on Backstory (her column in PDI). I’m just curious how her fan club fares. It makes me wonder that among our female divas/performers, only Lea doesn’t have any impersonator. She replied with something like “That’s a good one.”

The Golden Child
CCP Little Theater – August 16

July is normally the month where most of the play season (in Filipino, it’s called “tagdula”) in Metro Manila starts. For Tanghalang Pilipino’s part, they unofficially started their season with this year’s Virgin Lab Fest (which I missed), Cinemalaya’s equivalent for stage plays. Officially, their season opener is David Henry Hwang’s “The Golden Child”. It’s some sort of a memoir of Mr. Hwang’s Philippine-based grandmother, a Chinese, living with her husband’s other wives. Mr. Hwang, by the way, recreated Puccini’s “Madame Butterfly” into a twisted tale of a French diplomat and a male Chinese opera singer (“M. Butterfly” with the film version starring Jeremy Irons and John Lone). Loy Arcenas, who is connected to US-based Ma-yi Theater (I like their “Flipside”!), directs the play. The material can be mixed up with our “Mano Po” film series except, of course, the play is more authentic and unpretentious. Cast includes the great Irma Adlawan who delivers the most “natural” Chinese accent among the three wives. I don’t see anything bad about the production. It’s just that I’m missing the days when Nonon Padilla (another great) sits as TP’s Artistic Director.

Noli at Fili Dos Mil
PETA Phinma Center – August 17

I don’t know but there’s really something about PETA. They don’t just sit on their laurel as a premire theater group, they keep on getting better and better. Their season opener is a retelling of Jose Rizal’s “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo”, told in a telenovela fashion in a contemporary setting, addressing a contemporary issue (it may sound cheesy but the play’s “cancer” is rooted from illegal logging). Crisostomo Ibarra is now a town mayor, engaged to Maria Clara. Padre Salvi is now General Salvi who has the hots for Maria Clara and the one responsible for illegal logging. No more Sisa this time but Basilio is still there and the rest of the gang. Soxy Topacio’s execution is very smooth. I am pretty sure that the students in the crowd absorb the essence of Rizal’s novels, as the theme remains relevant (corrupt politicians, graft, church meddling, etc.). Bonus is kuya Bodgie playing Bishop Damaso (with Bembol Roco as alternate).

Karl Joaquin’s Christening
Mt. Carmel Church – August 17

From PETA Phinma Center, I took a cab to Mt. Carmel Church near Eat Bulaga’s Broadway Centrum. It’s Karl’s Christening and Nicole’s 7th birthday, a double celebration organized by their parents (my kumareng Jas, an officemate, and kumpareng Mark). It was my first time to godfather an officemate’s child and I’m getting the hang of it. It’s also good to see some old peeps and get in touch with them even just for a while. Mt. Carmel Church, by the way, is one of the biggest churches in Metro Manila. Some of my girl friends dream of having a wedding there because of the long aisle. My inaanak didn’t seem to care. For his baptism, only a small portion of the church was used. It was very organized as the parish office already prepared a laminated guide on the ritual and the schedule was solely alloted to Karl. In the adjacent center, Nicole’s Disney princess-themed birthday party was held. The place was garnished with pink balloons, surround-sounded by party music and kids were everywhere. Best part of the party perhaps was the kiddie cotillon, something that I had watched (and enjoyed!) for the first time.

Otelo: Ang Moro ng Venecia
Rizal Mini-Theater (Ateneo) – August 21

The play gave me a big gush of adrenaline as three of the highly respected stage performers shared one arena for the first time. Neil Ryan Sese as Cassio, Irma Adlawan as Desdemona and Nonie Buencamino as Othello. What more can I ask for? I left the office at 5pm, took a cab (again, syndicated with P100 extra) and braved the traffic (or the absence of it). I was already at the grounds of Ateneo’s Xavier Building at 5:45pm, trying to locate Rizal Mini-Theater (which happened to be just a few meters away from Gonzaga Hall where I first watch my very first play inside ADMU). I was too early for a 7pm-ish staging. I decided then to get dinner at Gonzaga (a serving of herbed chicken from Healthy Options-like stall) while enjoying the cheers from students rallying over a UAAP game on TV. Minutes later, I was already back at the theater’s entrance. I saw the play’s director, Mr. Ricky Abad (now he’s forgiven for snoring at Rep’s “Hamlet”), and Neil Ryan Sese still wearing a prisoner’s garb (maybe he’s doing a lagari of teleserye shows as he hurried back to his car right after the curtain call). The play was supposedly Tanghalang Ateneo’s season opener for their 30th year in the business but most of the leads came from Dulaang UP. It just so happened that the production was satisfying, from Salvador Bernal’s set (I kinda miss his sets for TP) to Irma’s virginal character and Nonie’s strong presence. The thing with TA is that I started to enjoy the school production feel and that the whole idea was not for the profit but for the love of Shakespeare.

Best of Basil and Kuh
Captain’s Bar at the Mandarin Oriental – August 22

The situation was this: I haven’t seen Basil Valdes perform live and I haven’t been to a hotel just to watch a lounge show. Thanks to a surprise bonus (from Santa), I got the chance (and the money) to experience these firsts. Straight from the office, I took a bus and a jeep on my way to Mandarin Oriental. I was sweating when I reached Captain’s Bar (my first tete-a-tete with the place was during one of the company’s Christmas parties). I didn’t mind the stares that I was alone in the concert. The usherette even repeated her question on how many tickets will I be purchasing. Everything just dawned on me when I went to the “balcony” area where some small round tables were installed: I had to share a table with a bunch of people! My Mentos moments prodded me to stay in the sofas near the tables and just got back to my seat when the lights went off. Basil’s repertoire that night comprised of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) compositions in Filipino, since it was “Linggo ng Wika”, he said. He only broke this promise when he sang “Lift Up” as encore song. Kuh’s repertoire was crazier and more varied. Best part of the show was a duet of two “Kailangan Kita” songs, originally sung by Leah Navarro and Gary V/Piolo Pascual. If people are wondering if it’s true that Basil’s voice has a healing power, the answer is “I don’t know”. But surely, I felt better after the concert.

Chicosci Victory Party
Elbow Room – August 29

I somewhat organized the office delegation to share Joel Salvador’s swan song as Chicosci’s drummer before he went to Dublin for a long term work assignment. I just confirmed with “idol” that the band’s victory party (after bagging MTV Philippines’ Favorite Artist) was also his “last gig” then in a jiffy, I was already sending an email to peeps. The turnout was incredible as different rakistas from the office made their way to Elbow Room in Metrowalk along Julia Vargas Avenue in Ortigas. We even made a mock-up banner that read “ofcem8 ko si kuya joel” to Joel’s horror, of course (hehehe). Three bands opened the gig at 11pm-ish. Joel’s set came after with three songs (which “idol” commented with “hindi ko na uulitin”), as in he did both the vocals and guitars, acoustic-type. Chicosci’s set at past midnight with Joel back to percussions. They did some signature songs plus two Eraserheads tracks. The highlight perhaps was the part where the guys traded places, putting Miggy on drums, Joel on guitars, Mong on vocals, etc. It was fun (even if I only finished two bottles of San Mig Light). The picture taking session (was it another mock-up?) was the icing on the cake. I guess I was too pumped up then for the next day’s “concert of all concerts”.

More pics here.

Tosca
PETA Phinma Center – August 30

The project is a collaboration of Black Theater of Japan, Nottle Theater of Korea and PETA. Basically, it’s the same “Tosca” by Giacomo Puccini but this time, three theater groups interpret it. They just polished it to show cohesion of classical opera, dance and Pinoy humor. It may sound preposterous at first but the outcome is effective (thanks to its director, Soxy Topacio). They managed to retell a story of a woman torn between love and duties, making the theme remain relevant and important. It was amusing to note that the audience, comprised mostly of young college students, was silent (read: sleepy) in the first part (arias and dances) and damn right laughing in the last part (the PETA part). I walked out of the theater totally refreshed and uplifted.

The Eraserheads Reunion Concert
The Fort Open Field – August 30

This tops my list of must-do things. To put it more appropriately, list of do-or-die things. Flashback, two years ago when the tribute album was launched at UP Theater and I had to grab 20 tickets at an FM station booth. That was during a lunch break (cab from RCBC Plaza to Ortigas area and back, all within an hour). It was put in vain as only Buddy, Raimund and Marcus showed up. First week of August 2008, I was registering at the Marlboro Red List, robbing truth that I’m a true-blooeded chain-smoker, only to find out again that it has been put in vain. August 30, at 5:30pm, I was already at Glorietta 4’s Breadtalk waiting for Ben and his sister. We stopped by at Mc Kinley to fetch Matt and off we went to Taguig Open Field for the Eraserheads Reunion Concert. Before the long queue, we dropped by at Italianni’s to meet William and Ruth. Inside the venue, we joined a group of peers from the office and waited for the concert like crazy. At 8:05pm, a ten-minute countdown was set, triggering more cheers and fanning more excitement. The first song was “Alapaap”. It filled the venue with love (year, baby) in a nice acoustic and a topnothch stage set-up (video wall, lights and everything). Cutting the concert short due to Ely’s condition happened but I felt sanctified already right after the first song. With the rest of the songs for the set, the crowd singing every anthem and the spirit that was just nostalgically marvelous, I can’t expect for more.

Visit the National Museum Culture Tour with Mr. John Silva
Museum of the Filipino People and National Museum – September 6

For more details on Mr. Silva's tour (and thoughts), just visit his blog.

Why I did this trip was because I felt bad that I haven’t seen our own museums here (except Ayala Museum which I have visited when I was in college and proudly not because my college asked me to). It’s been a while since I’ve been receiving this guided tour invite from Mr. John Silva. I initially doubted if my P700 is worth it even if I know in the back of my head that a chunk of the fee proceeds to Mr. Silva’s “I Love Museum” program (which promises to bring public school teachers to our musuems). I decided to risk money and time, plus of course I ran out of things to do on a weekend. I left my place at 9am and took a cab. It was drizzling that morning and commuting could lead me to eternity. Manong driver wasn’t really familiar of the building and I myself was surprised that we located the museum just in time. Museum of the Filipino People resides in the old Finance Building near Luneta. On the opposite is another beaux art building called Tourism Building that was originally leased to Agriculture Building. The circle in the middle (part of Luneta) is called Agrifina Circle (Agriculture + Finance, got it?).

Twenty minutes before the tour, there was a blackout that threatened the whole trip. The lady from the museum office informed us that Meralco promised to resume electric power by 10am-ish. So we waited. And waited fruitfully. We were met by Mr. John Silva, had a brief introduction and gathered the whole bunch of eight or ten intrigued museum goers. We started at the grounds of then walked to the upper level galleries where most of the relics and antiquities that define us Pinoys were displayed. Some of the exhibit rooms still need some retouches but what’s already in there is impressive. Mr. Silva’s familiarity (and sincerity) with the items is equally thrilling. I love the way he injects trivia and humor. He really knows what he is doing and I definitely envy his passion.

After touring the building for two hours, we had a 15-minute break (with on-the-house bottle of mineral water) and off we went to another building across. From the old Finance Building, we crossed the street and entered the old Congress Building where ou National Museum is housed. There aren’t many galleries in there. Yet. But what’s already put up is a wide array of paintings from our national artists including our national pride called “Spoliarium” by Juan Luna. In front of the giant oil paiting are three rows of monoblocs. Mr. Silva made it a point to let us immerse with the importance of the piece by explaining how “Spoliarium” made a connection to our independence in 1898. Briefly, he noted that the painting made our national hero Jose Rizal remarked in the middle of alta-sosyedad crowd how we can get even with the Spaniards politically. This led to some commotion, and pushed Rizal to write Noli Me Tangere. Rizal was then shot at Luneta, an incident that led Andres Bonifacio to stage a revolt that paved our way to freedom.

National Museum, on top of “Spoliarium” boasts of other works by Luna and Felix Resureccion Hidalgo, down to Fernando Amorsolo and Arturo Luz. The tour ended in the section where some paintings about Japanese invasion were installed (two of the paintings had semi-nudity). Capping the whole trip was a sculpture done by Rizal while in Dapitan about a puppy being bitten by a crocodile that is being bitten by the mommy dog ontop.

More pics here.

Mark Anthony Guallar, Jr.’s Christening
Cardona Parish Church – September 7

In the afternoon, off I went to Cardona, Rizal to visit my kumpareng Tonyo. It was already 10 in the evening when I reached his (and his wife Journey’s) place. Everybody was busy doing a chore or two while a little nipa hut just a few meters away, which houses a videoke machine, was occupied by belters. I remember somebody singing “Bleeding Love”. I opted to watch a crazy MMK episode inside the house with kumareng Journey, Tonyo’s brother Ron-ron and Journey’s brother Dhel sharing some shots of Red Horse. It was cold and drizzling then, setting the mood for a nice evening of intoxication. The morning after was rather a busier morning as people started to come and go inside the house. I had breakfast, took a bath and, with kumareng Journey, off we went to the parish church of Cardona (which awkwardly built face-to-face with the municipal building). I assumed of the role of a godfather as I helped out kumareng Journey on registration. Beside us was a mom enlisting her son named “Slash”. The whole baptism didn’t take long. There was the usual seminar about the importance of being a Christian and an overview on what’a about to unfold. The priest then came later doing the “bathing” and the blessing. What followed was an eat-and-run back at the house, cutting some conversation short with old friends and familiar faces.

West Side Story
Meralco Theater – September 7

Pardon the pun but it’s the most beautiful locally done Broadway musical I have seen so far. It has over-the-top dances, credible singing, big sets and a satisfying rendition of one of the well-loved musical ditties. I was awestruck. It was that good. I don’t mind inviting friends and officemates, as this staging by Stages is truly a must-see. Never mind the irony of having a Kapamilya (Christian Bautista) and a Kapuso (Karylle) lock licks and sing stunning duets. I would prefer to see Joanna Ampil as Maria but the production doesn’t divulge who’s playing when. Karylle’s singing was a surprise anyway (and I’ve seen Ms. Ampil in West End’s “Les Miz” two years ago). Another bonus on the show was having Australia-based Rowena Villar as Anita. She’s just a scene-stealer. If I have extra bucks, I would love to see this musical again.

Movie Digest # 047

X-FILES: I WANT TO BELIEVE
Chakeres Franklin Cinema 6 ( Frankfort , Kentucky ), Cinema 3, July 26, 9:30pm

Remember the series, forget the sequel. As much as possible, avoid this film. One of the bad films for 2008. I don’t know why it was even made. The truth is indeed out there.

Friends who might appreciate it: X-Philes!

HUBAD
Cultural Center of the Philippines , Tanghalang Manuel Conde, August 9, 7:00pm

This is the first Filipino film I have seen after the US assignment. And what a treat! It stars my favorite stage actress, Irma Adlawan-Marasigan, in a tale about the lives of theater artists and the boundary they set between what’s real and what’s for a show. Another plus point is that the film is an adaptation of a stage play (shown at Virgin Labfest 2, if I’m not mistaken), which is very much different from its film equivalent. The celluloid version has a twisted take on the lives of two stage artists who lead the cast of a stage play called “Hubad”. They even put real life husband of Irma (Dennis Marasigan) and wife of Nonie Buencamino (Shamaine Centenera) as the character’s better half. For somebody who loves Philippine theater so much, the concept of making it real works. It posted the question: “What if the actors crossed the border?”. All in all, the film is finely crafted. The only drawback for me is Irma’s character. I found it flawed. I don’t understand her being naïve the first time the director mentioned the word “crotch”. If the film is trying to portray the real Irma, then that’s a problem for the Irma I know has been to different stage plays, of different forms and sizes, has her boobs mashed by a fellow actor, has been exposed to thousand nudity and so on.

Friends who might appreciate it: those who haven’t seen the stage version.

DOBOL TROBOL
Power Plant, Cinema 1, August 10, 7:50pm

Slapstick, period. There’s nothing much to expect with this film (aside of course from minding if Pidol and Bosing Vic click on screen). There’s only one scene that made me laugh. It’s the presence of Fritz Ynfante who is supposedly a sosy chef named Packo (a spoof of Wolfgang Puck?). He came to a scene where he is supposed to supervise Bosing Vic and company. Then Jose came uttering “Chief!”. Fritz responded with “Chef, hindi chief. Hindi ako pulis ‘no!”. Jose: “Eh bakit may tsapa kayo?”. Fritz: “Tanga, brooge ‘yan!”.

Friends who might appreciate it: those who have extra bonus money to watch films.

YOU DON’T MESS WITH A ZOHAN
Trinoma, Cinema 2, August 11, 3:00pm

The film is rude and brutal and insensitive. But that’s the selling point of the film. The thing is, it doesn’t explain how and why or even apologize. It just brings you to a world that it tries to create (many films are trying to achieve this but to no avail). And that makes the film watchable. To top it all, the film is not that senseless. There’s wisdom somewhere when the lead character’s ultra masculinist personification tries hairdressing for a change to achieve a peace within.

Friends who might appreciate it: those who wish to see a different Adam Sandler.

WALL-E
Trinoma, Cinema 7, August 11, 5:20pm

I can say that it’s one of the better films I have seen from Hollywood this year and perhaps one of the best animated films for all time. First, the message. It could disguise as propaganda to help save the planet but it’s more than that. It’s effective but not preachy. The film could be comparable to “An Inconvenient Truth” when it comes to significance (especially if the target crowd is the kids). Secondly, most of the scenes do not have any speaking lines from the cute characters. This is animation at its finest. Thirdly, it’s a guilty pleasure. The visuals are both brilliant and fresh, something that could appeal to adults like me. If this is the look of future Disney movies, it must be something to look forward to.

Friends who might appreciate it: those who love both the films and the planet.

A VERY SPECIAL LOVE
Trinoma, Cinema 5, August 11, 7:45pm

It’s a rom-com, period. And it’s from Star Cinema. I couldn’t agree more that there’s nothing special with the film except, of course, for the audience’s reaction on the kilig scenes. Maybe because it has John Lloyd Cruz who took the role seriously and his take on the snobbish and tortured character works. Sarah’s character is generic and can be given to other stars like Maja Salvador or even Bea Alonzo. The direction is not worthy of applause but it’s not bad.

Friends who might appreciate it: those who haven’t seen a Star Cinema film for a year.

TOROTOT
Glorietta 1, Cinema 1, August 20, 8:40pm

I appreciate the film not because it's megged by the great Mario J. Delos Reyes (who started to be "born again" after doing "Magnifico") but because Jun Lana's story and script is good. It's one of those projects that the story/script alone salvages the whole film. The film tackles extra marital affairs and how two victims, who happen to be best of friends, react to it. Talking about impact analysis (hehehe). Acting-wise, there's nothing more to expect from the girls (Maui Taylor and Precious Adona) but I am not sure if most of the moviegoers on the same cinema care for that. Yul Servo, one of Philippine showbiz' natural actors, can't pull off his sosy character but it's good to see him once in a while. Baron Geisler is Baron Geisler.

Friends who might appreciate it: those who believe that Baron Geisler is one damn good actor.

FOR THE FIRST TIME
Greenbelt 3, Cinema 2, August 28, 8:40pm

For the first time from Star Cinema, a total disappointment. Don't blame it yet to Richard "Can't Act" Gutierrez but the fault, I believe, originates from the editing. Was it rushed? That's my observation, considering that its director, Bb. Joyce Bernal started as an editor. Some of the scenes don't just connect if not simply dumb. And Richard's acting doesn't help. Maybe he needs to experience more problems in life so that he can pull a string when it comes to exhibiting some dramatic chops (where is Jericho Rosales where you need him?). "For the First Time" is KC's movie. She's got the talent and I must agree that at her age, she's far better than her mom. One of the highlights is a scene where she begs for Richard not to leave. That's acting! If the film is supposed to be an eclipse of two stars from rival networks, then it's pretty obvious who has the eye for talents.

Friends who might appreciate it: those who wish to see Richard Gutierrez falter for the nth time.

B-Lag File # 03: That Ate Sol Week in Los Angeles

B-Lag as in Blog + Lag.

Roughly 26 years ago, ate Sol, a first cousin on my mom’s side and my kuya’s contemporary, visited our house in Lopez. She was already in college then and she just came from a five-hour trip from Manila . As an ate to a six-year old me, she taught me how to draw a bahay-kubo on my pad. I can still remember that it was at night (or was it just a brown-out?). She also did something that I would cherish for the rest of my life: she told me the tale of Spielberg’s “ET” as if she’s telling a bedtime story. I finally caught the film maybe ten years after that (and the digitally remastered one for another ten years perhaps). I can say that it opened doors for me on film appreciation.

Ate Sol is now living her OFW life in LA. She lives in my uncle’s house in North Hills along with my other cousin Babeth (who is now called “Vinnie”). Ate Sol’s younger sister, Marla, is also in LA. Ates Sol, Marla and Babeth are my first cousins on my mom's side.

Few days before I flew back to Manila (August 4 – 8), I paid a visit to my cousins and took my first VLs for this fiscal year. From Vegas, I took a Greyhound bus to LA, passing through some arid landscapes. Considering the driver from hell as the whole trip’s terminator, the bus ride alone was an experience on its own. It just didn’t give us an extension of two hours’ trip but he made it a point that his in-house rules were properly heard and implemented, including a no noisy texting policy and limited talk time. At one stop, he told everyone that he was so annoyed by the low-batt sound. It felt good though that there were three (senior) Filipinos seated near my slot. We managed to make a conversation through whispers and demure laughs until we reached the San Fernando Greyhound station where my cousins picked me up.

My very first morning in California was spent with a nice breakfast prepared by my dear ate Sol. She took a four-day leave from work and that was something I truly appreciated. There were tall tales before that America transfoms a person’s motivation to be workaholic and depressed. Ate Sol disproves that (except of course of some depressing times when she misses her family).

Our first stop for the day was Hollywood Boulevard , no less. We reached (Chinese) Mann’s Theater after 45 minutes of three bus rides and one train ride. The street was busy with tourists as expected. We availed StarLine’s tour number 1, which is the most popular among their 15 or more tours. While waiting for our “open-top van”, we explored the area, trying to get a picture of each entry in the Stars Walk of Fame. We were later informed that there are a total of 3,000 stars in the area and at the bend laid two of the biggest stars: that of Elvis’ and the Beatles’.

The “open-top van” was something that I wasn’t expecting. It’s like a jeep with seats positioned just like those in a van and with no roof. For three hours and two sunblock applications, we toured some of the celeb houses (including those of Richard Gere’s the Beckhams’, Nicolas Cage’s, Demi Moore’s, Dr. Phil’s, George Marciano’s and a lot more) and other shooting locations like those used in “Pretty Woman”, “Beverly Hills Cop” and significant spots like the Pollo Loco corner where Brad Pitt used to work as a mascot and the infamous curve where panty-less Britney Spears “said hello” in a different way.

We were then dropped off in front of Kodak Theater where ate Marla and family picked us up and headed back to Rodeo Drive to shop a clutch bag and a pair of shoes from Coach (my biggest spending so far: $700!) for a friend. Minutes later, we were already cruising our ass off to Santa Monica , the home of the original muscle beach.

It was a nice way to end the day with sand and sunset, while walking lazily with cousins along a pier that is highlighted by a giant ferris wheel and some theme park rides. Not to mention that the awesome landscape has already been used in countless movies. Dinner later on was shared at Salo-Salo Restaurant with an overwhelming set of kare-kare (my request), sinigang (ate Marla’s husband’s favorite) and a bilao of grilled meat.

I am not a theme park person but my second day was spent at Universal Studios with ate Sol. We arrived at past 10am and the queue was kilometric as expected. It was also hot and sunblock always comes in handy. I did not bring any sunblock from Manila and I had no choice but to buy Neutrogena Suncare with Helioplex that I don’t mind blogging about. The theme park is not that big as I imagined but there is good stuff definitely. One of it is the newly installed Simpsons Ride, a simulation ride that I really enjoyed. Maybe because the screen was too big, no mental/visual distraction whatsoever was in sight. Then there’s the studio tour, which was too wholesome but still a delight to do (this should be the first “ride” that you should take while in Universal Studios). Plus the equally exciting The Mummy Ride (when they warned you with “high-speed”, they meant it) and Jurassic Park River Ride (which was too fun for me as I got soaked with water in the final drop). We capped the night with a nice dinner with two ex-officemates and a kababayan at Citywalk’s Buca de Beppo.

My last pasyal day in LA was originally allotted for Disneyland Resort but since it was difficult to take a bus and train after the fireworks, we decided to skip it (to my dismay, of course). My only consolation was that Disneyland only landed the ninth spot in my top 10 book so I guess it’ll be OK. To compensate, I decided to visit three top 10 locations namely El Pueblo de los Angeles, Los Angeles County Museum of Arts (LACMA) and The Getty Center.

El Pueblo de los Angeles is like a mini-Mexican historic district complete with tiangge and burrito restaurants. The book mentions this as the first “Los Angeles”. It boasts not only Mexican graffiti but also the oldest living house in the city called Adobe Avila. To reach the place, you have to stop at the Union Station which is LA’s equivalent of Grand Central in New York.

LACMA has a wide range of collection for visual arts and is staffed with the most number of Filipinos. It’s a delight to be guided by a “kababayan” when, for instance, you wish to see some David Hockney paintings. Unfortunately, the sole Edward Hopper they have was not open for public viewing that time though it’s good to appreciate an entry from the Philippines which happens to be a century old “baul”.

Our last stop for the day, The Getty Center, was the only “amazing race” I did for the rest of my stay in LA. Given with only 30 minutes to browse through a dozen of paintings, I had to rely on my walking shoes, my incredible sense of direction and my book’s suggestion of must-see pieces (some of those are Monet paintings). But I did not have to fret as the Getty’s main attraction is a nice building seated on top of a hill that can be reached by taking a pilot-less tram. Overlooking LA is a bonus.

Ate Sol and I planned to cap the night with a movie but Sajo, an officemate way back SPL days gave us a call for a surprise visit on my uncle’s place. We stopped by at a noodle house, had a hearty chicken mami and siomai before heading back to Noble Street (where Sajo and her husband were already waiting). It was a short chitchat and kumustahan. Too bad that I forgot to get us a souvenir photo.

I had a nice finale for my US stay in LA. Disneyland Resort remains to be visited. Nicole Kidman must be waiting for me somewhere.

More pics here.